• Classic Burgundy

• Starts Saturdays and Sundays every weekend during April, May, June, and September and the following dates during July, August and October: 5, 6, 19 & 20 July, 30 & 31 August, 4,5, 11 & 12 October.

• £680

• +

• 8 days: 6 days independent cycling mainly on off-road cycle tracks moving between guest houses

• • Beautiful towns and villages with historic chateaux, abbeys and churches
  • Changing countryside with vineyards, woodland, pasture and wetlands
  • A dedicated off-road cycle path for much of the holiday
  • Wine tasting
  • Gourmet food and charming guest house

• 7 nights accommodation in several 3 star or equivalent, charming guest houses, double or twin rooms with own bathrooms. All breakfasts included, 5 lunches and 5 evening meals

1. Airport and station transfers from Lyon.
2. 7 nights' accommodation.
3. Full Board. (with the exception of lunches on day of arrival and departure, plus one other lunch, and two evening meals)
4. Hire of bike and helmet
5. Full walking notes and maps
6. Transport of luggage between guest houses

1. Travel between the UK and Lyon, France
   
2. Three lunches and two evening meals
   
3. Transfers, other than those from Lyon.
   
4. Any excursions or entrance fees
   
5. Drinks to accompany evening meals in restaurants (A glass of wine is usually included with the meal in most guest houses.)

Cycling

The cycling on this holiday is gentle and suitable for most people. It uses an off-road cycle path for over half the holiday. The day's cycling can be up to 55 km (or 32 miles), although the average (not counting the rest day is 40km. There is a hill of about 140m on the final day. Otherwise the cycling is on gently undulating terrain.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome, drive to St Amour in the Northern Beaujolais and settle in to your first guest house.

Day 2: Beaujolais to Cuisery

Your first days cycle is also the longest of the holiday, although to compensate, it is almost all flat. After descending from the Beaujolais slopes you will cross the Saone and head north to join its cycle tow-path (voie bleue) at Macon. After 10 miles besides this mighty river, you will head out into the Bresse, an interesting area of patchwork fields, woodlands and wetalands east of the Saone, famous for its timber and brick houses, as well as its chicken. You will pass through a number of pretty villages on the way including Pont de Vaux and Romenay. 55 km

Day 3: Cuisery to Givry

You can begin your day by visiting the historic town of Tournus with its splendid abbey. After several miles cycling to the east of the Saone your route takes you back over the river and through the town of Sennecy-le-Grand. A gently undulating terrain of forests, where the River Grosne joins the Saone, will be replaced by the sight vine covered slopes, as you approach Givry. 50 km

Day 4: Givry to Cormatin

After a look around the charming village of Givry, you will pick up the off-road cycle path (voie verte) that passes through the heart of the southern Burgundy. Flanked by vine covered hills to the west, your route passes by a number of pretty villages, such as Buxy and St-Gengoux-le-National, allowing you to explore Burgundy's rich heritage, whilst take a break from the cycling. 30 km

Day 5: Around Cormatin

Day 5 can be used for relaxation and rest, whilst enjoying your surroundings which include the opulent “Chateau de Cormatin” with its impressive “gold room” and vast park. You can, however, explore more widely with the choice from a number of established cycle routes of varying lengths and difficulties that take you into the heart of the Burgundy vineyards. Why not take the time to visit the vineyards and try the local wine.

Day 6: Cormatin to Mazille

A short days cycle that takes you through the small historic town of Cluny. Here you will discover a rich heritage including the remains of its famous Benedictine Abbey, the most important in Europe between 910 and 1340. South of Cluny, your route parts from the cycle pathto make the small ascent to the pretty village of Mazille. 25 km

Day 7: Mazille to Beaujolais

Your final day rejoins the cycle path and climbs steadily through the Burgundy hills, breaching the ridge near the medieval fortress of Berzé le Châtel. A fascinating feature of this track as it traverses the highest point is its tunnel. At 1.6km, it holds the distinction of being the longest tunnel in Europe to accommodate only green modes of transport. The descent the other side is both bracing and picturesque, and is a fitting way to complete your round trip. 35 km

Day 8: Departure

Return to Lyon and transfer home